Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), employed clinically because of its influence on gonadal function, has also been used successfully in the treatment of obesity. Simeons (1) asserts that an enhancement of the mobilization of fat occurs during HCG treatment, although no rationale for this effect has been determined. The present study is an attempt to establish a biochemical basis for the action of HCG by assessing the effects on three enzymes which are involved in linking glycolysis to the esterification and synthesis of fatty acids in possible target tissues: soluble alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (AGPD), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). The significant role of these enzymes in directing lipid synthesis has been discussed (12).
Materials and Methods. Hooded rats obtained from the Brooklyn College stock colony were maintained on Rockland Rat Chow ad libitum, with free access to water. Injections of 50 IU of HCG (Lot No. 6837, Bioline Labs, Brooklyn) were given ip each day for 7 days. Controls received 0.2 ml of saline. Alternative routes of administration have been employed in other studies of the metabolic effects of HCG (13, 14).
Male rats were weighed and then sacrificed by decapitation, following by exsanguination. The liver, both epididymal fat pads, and the gastrocnemius muscle from both legs were removed, blotted dry, and then frozen by placing the tissue on aluminum foil boats immersed in an acetone-Dry Ice saturated solution. In selected instances, fresh tissues were assayed and compared with frozen samples.
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